Hungary

Do not travel from Hungary to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. 

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• public transport, including train stations and airports
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• government buildings and schools
• places of worship or religious holidays
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as tourist attractions, music and cultural events, festivals, pride events, seasonal markets, sporting venues and shopping centres 

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats
• be cautious around known targets, including in crowds and public places
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks. 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism
• Hungarian Police Facebook 

Petty crime

Petty crime occurs in Hungary, especially on public transport and in tourist areas.

Theft from vehicles and highway robberies also occur. Be wary of tactics persuading drivers to pull over. 

To protect yourself from crime:

• pay attention to your belongings, especially on public transport and at tourist spots
• don't place valuables in the overhead storage area on trains
• on overnight trains, lock your door from the inside
• keep your passport separate from your other ID
• be wary of direct offers of help from strangers
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• leave a situation if you think there may be danger
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places
• use secure parking if it's available
• don't leave valuables in the car

Scams and fraud

Some clubs and restaurants overcharge.

Always check the price of food and drinks before your order.

Be aware that:

• disputes about overcharging can lead to violence
• security guards may force you to pay
• taxi drivers and others may get a commission for taking you to these places

Be wary of drivers or friendly strangers who invite you to clubs.

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.

Methanol poisoning

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.   

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information:

• Kidnapping

Public protests, demonstrations and events that draw large groups of people are usually peaceful but can turn violent. They can disrupt traffic and public transport.

Extremist groups have used national holidays to stage demonstrations. 

To stay safe:

• avoid all protests and demonstrations
• monitor local media
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Hungary experiences severe weather and natural disasters such as:

• flooding
• snowstorms

Flooding is common in the northeast region along the upper Tisza River and the Danube, particularly from March to May. 

During snowstorms, parts of the country may be isolated for days.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• check the media and other local sources for updates
• register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Bears and wolves are occasionally encountered in mountain areas. Take particular care if you're in an area where bears have been sighted.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and read the fine print. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

You may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care if you're not insured.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers, especially if you plan to undertake adventure sports
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• what may void your coverage, such as consuming alcohol or driving a class of vehicle you aren’t licensed to drive

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Hungary. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating the following:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medication
• Bringing medication into Hungary (National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition)

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Hungary. There's no vaccine to prevent WNV. 

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. They're active from spring to autumn. 

To protect yourself from illness:  

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick site for signs of infection 

Other health risks

Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur. These include:

• Hepatitis

To reduce your risk of illness:

• practice good hygiene
• avoid contaminated food or water
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

Medical treatment is adequate, but hospitals vary in quality. Many medical facilities are below the standard of Australia. They have limited nursing care. Friends and relatives are often required to give around-the-clock care.

You're expected to bring your own necessities to medical centres, including hygiene items (towels, toilet paper), cutlery and bottled water. 

Medical facilities can be limited in rural and border areas.
There's no private in-patient hospital facility in Budapest.

Some doctors speak English, but it's not widely spoken by other hospital staff.

Doctors and public hospitals may expect up-front cash payment for services. Medical care can be very expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance before you arrive. 

More information:

• Medical assistance overseas

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

Drugs

Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs, including marijuana, can lead to prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Local authorities can ask to see your identification at any time. Carry your passport at all times. A photocopy won't be accepted.

Smoking is banned:

• on all public transport and at transport stops in Budapest
• within 5 metres of entrances to education buildings
• in restaurants, bars and cafes

Large fines apply.

Heavy fines exist for minor driving infringements. Penalties for serious driving offences include prison.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Hungary recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal in Hungary, and laws prohibit sexual discrimination. However, homosexuality isn't widely accepted. Public displays of affection may draw unwanted attention.

Hungary passed legislation that could provide a legal basis to ban LGBTQIA+ pride events. Authorities can use facial recognition technology to identify and fine anyone who takes part in illegal or banned demonstrations. 

Harassment and violence against LGBTQIA+ people has occurred.

Monitor media reporting and follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

Hungary is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter Hungary without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact  the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for details about visas, currency, customs and other rules. 

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Border measures 

You may be subject to random checks by Hungarian authorities and authorities of neighbouring countries at Hungary’s borders. See the EU Notifications of Temporary Reintroduction of Border Controls for more information. 

The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Make sure you:

• check that the entry stamp in your passport is readable when you enter the Schengen area for the first time. Border officials may ask you to show them an onward or return ticket.
• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.

Hungarian authorities may deny you entry if you’ve failed to pay a previous fine. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Hungary for advice on paying fines before you travel.

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe
• Entry/Exit System (EES) European Commission
• Hungarian police and border crossings (in English)

Travelling with children

Children aged under 18 years who travel alone or with one parent may need a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents. Check with an  embassy or consulate of Hungary for details.

More information:

• Travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. 

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place. 

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of Hungary is the Forint (HUF).

Euros (EUR) may be accepted in major cities, and payment by card is widely accepted.

Most banks have ATMs that accept major international cards.

Check all banknotes received are valid. Some outdated notes are still in circulation.

Declare funds of more than EUR 10,000 or equivalent if you're travelling between Hungary and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines. You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

More information:

• EU cash controls

Driving permit

You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for 1 year if you also have either: 

• a Hungarian translation of your licence, or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before your travel.

More information:

• Use of foreign licences in Hungary

Road travel

Highways are usually in good condition.

Driving in rural areas can be dangerous due to poor road maintenance and lighting.

You must always keep car headlights on when driving outside of towns.

You need a motorway sticker (vignette) for your car to travel on motorways. You can buy vignette stickers at petrol stations or e-vignettes online. If buying an e-vignette, keep proof of purchase. 

Frequent automatic vignette checks occur. You'll be fined if you don't have one.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Police can take your licence away if you're driving under the influence of alcohol. Other penalties can also be imposed, including jail time.

Heavy fines exist for minor traffic offences. 

Police can keep your passport if you dispute a driving fine or offence. They will issue a receipt and a letter asking you to report to a police station. The passport will be returned once the dispute is settled.

More information:

• Road safety

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to ensure that your policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike, or similar.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

It’s best not to ask a taxi driver to recommend a bar, club or restaurant. Some drivers get commissions to take passengers to particular spots and you could be overcharged.

Instead of hailing a taxi on the street, call a dispatcher or use ridesharing apps. 

Check that the meter is running and that the charge is correct. If you've been overcharged, ask for a receipt and contact the taxi company.  Many taxis will only accept cash.

Public transport

Hungary has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system. This includes trains that run to all major towns. Take care of your personal belongings, particularly on trains and in major transport hubs. Don't leave bags unattended on trains, even briefly.

You'll be fined if you travel on public transport without a ticket.

To avoid a fine:

• follow all passenger notices (usually printed in English)
• validate your ticket before starting your journey
• keep your ticket until the end of your journey
• show your ticket to inspectors if asked

More information:

• Budapest Transport Authority
• Hungarian State Railways (Hungarian)
• Transport and getting around safely

River cruises

If you plan to join a river cruise, read:

• general health advice
• travelling by boat

Make sure you consider border crossings and travel with your passport.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Hungary's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

For non-emergency criminal issues, contact the local police. 

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Call 438 8080 for a 24-hour tourist helpline for crime victims, run by the Hungarian National Tourist Office.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Budapest headed by an Honorary Consul. The office provides some consular assistance but can't issue emergency passports or perform notarial acts.

Get in contact before you visit.

Australian Consulate, Budapest

Eötvös Loránd University
Múzeum Körút 4/a
1088 Budapest, Hungary

Email: auconsulate.budapest@gmail.com

You can access full consular and passport services from the Australian Embassy in Vienna, Austria.

Australian Embassy Vienna

The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
1100 Vienna, Austria

Phone: +43 1 506 740
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbVIE
Facebook: @AusEmbassyVie

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia